Cadmium Chalcogenide (CdS, CdSe, CdTe) Quantum Dots for Solar‐to‐Fuel Conversion

Abstract

Photocatalysis is considered a promising technology to alleviate the pressure of environmental pollution and energy shortage. Among various photocatalysts, cadmium chalcogenide quantum dots (CdX QDs) stand out due to their excellent visible light absorption ability and efficient charge separation properties. This review presents the atomic and electronic structures of CdX QDs and their synthetic strategies. In addition, the reaction mechanism of CdX QDs in photocatalytic solar‐to‐fuel conversion is discussed. Another focus of this review is the optimization strategies for CdX QDs to improve their photocatalytic performance. Finally, the challenges and the perspectives on CdX QDs are briefly proposed.

Keywords

• biomass conversion
• CO2 reduction
• hydrogen evolution
• organic synthesis
• surface modification